New rules could give stiff fines and jail time to people who melt pennies or nickels to profit from the increased price of metals.
Soaring metals prices mean that the value of the metal in pennies and nickels exceeds the face value of the coins.
"The nation needs its coinage for commerce," U.S. Mint director Ed Moy said in a statement. "We don't want to see our pennies and nickels melted down so a few individuals can take advantage of the American taxpayer. Replacing these coins would be an enormous cost to taxpayers."
Under the new rules, it is illegal to melt pennies and nickels. It is also illegal to export the coins for melting.
Travelers may legally carry up to $5 in 1- and 5-cent coins out of the USA or ship $100 of the coins abroad "for legitimate coinage and numismatic purposes."
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